DENVER – Andrew Thomas,
senior captain of the University
of Denver hockey team, earned
the annual Western Collegiate
Hockey Association post-graduate
scholarship for 2008-09. The
award capped a remarkable
undergraduate career for the
Bow resident, both on the ice for
the perennial power and in the
classroom.
As team captain in 2007-08,
Thomas saw action in all 41 of the
Pioneers’ games, helping anchor
their nationally ranked scoring
defense and leading Denver to
an overall record of 26-14-1, a
third-place finish in the WCHA
regular-season race, the Broadmoor
Trophy as team champions
of the 2008 Red Baron WCHA
Final Five in St. Paul, Minn., and
another berth in the NCAA Division
I men’s ice hockey championship.
He led the team with a +14
plus/minus rating, an indicator
of the net team goals while a
specific player is on the ice.
During his 161-game collegiate
career at Denver, Thomas
was a defensive regular all four
seasons, contributing 26 scoring
points and helping the Pioneers
earn the 2004-05 MacNaughton
Cup, the Broadmoor Trophy and
the NCAA Men’s Frozen Four
national championship team.
A 2005 fourth-round draft
pick of the National Hockey
League’s Washington Capitals,
he was chosen to participate in
the 2008 NCAA Frozen Four
Skills Challenge April 11 at the
Pepsi Center in Denver.
“Andrew always set the
example for his teammates
with his mature and serious
approach to his academics and
to his hockey training,” said
George Gwozdecky, Denver
hockey coach. “Throughout his
four years at the university, he
volunteered his time to many
community activities, including
the Starlight Starbright Foundation
and the University of Denver
Youth Hockey Association.
He also represented the hockey
program at numerous other volunteer
activities throughout the
region.
“He is one of the finest student-
athletes and leaders to have
ever worn the Pioneer hockey
jersey,” added the coach.
Thomas was selected to the
WCHA All-Academic Team
every year since 2005. He graduated
June 8 from the University
of Denver with a bachelor’s
degree in management and a
3.85 grade-point average. He
received the Daniels College of
Business Managerial Leadership
Award.
He plans to pursue a career
in professional hockey.